Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

The Lycoming College Clean Water Institute and Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be hosting an important public information meeting on the results presented in a draft Water Quality Standards Review and Stream Evaluation Report on the Lycoming Creek watershed conducted by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  The review and report contained recommendations by the DEP staff that Lycoming Creek and most of its watershed streams quality for protection as Exceptional Value waters under state regulations. The meeting is scheduled for March 1, 2023 at 7 p.m. in room G09 of the Heim Science Building on the Lycoming College campus. The public can park in the lot at the southeast corner of Mulberry Street and Washington Boulevard, enter through the Lynn Science Building, and take the elevator down to the ground floor.

At the meeting, DEP staff will present an overview of the stream redesignation process and specifically on the information and recommendations in the Draft Lycoming Creek Stream Evaluation Report that is currently being provided for public review and comment as referenced in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on February 4, 2023. Comments are due by March 6, 2023.

The DEP develops water quality standards for all surface waters of the state. These standards, which are designed to safeguard Pennsylvania’s streams, rivers and lakes, consist of both use designations and the criteria necessary to protect those uses. As part of the water quality standards program, DEP conducts stream evaluations on an ongoing basis. Evaluations may be conducted on streams or stream segments that are found to be missing from the water quality standards (Chapter 93 of the DEP’s Rules and Regulations), or on streams or segments DEP believes to be improperly designated.
Lycoming Creek is one of the largest streams in Lycoming County with a drainage area of over 270 square miles with over 400 miles of streams, many of which would qualify as Outstanding State Resource Waters.  In addition to its value as a high quality warm and cold water fishery, it supplies recharge water for the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority’s Lycoming Creek Wellfield, an important component of the public water supply sources of the Greater Williamsport Area.

The public is encouraged to attend thefree meeting to learn how the uses of the streams are protected under state laws and regulations.

In the February 11 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the PFBC has given notice that they propose to add several streams to the list of Wild Trout Streams and Class A Wild Trout Waters. The Commissioners will vote on these additions at their April 24-25, 2023 meeting.

Additions to Classification of Wild Trout Streams

Additions to List Of Class A Wild Trout Waters

SUBMIT A COMMENT (Please note that when submitting a public comment through the link below, we ask that you indicate which designation/rulemaking you are commenting on, in your email subject line.)

Hughesville High School has just started a fly fishing club. We are proud to be able to share our love for conservation and the great fishing that is a result of that conservation work with them. We have already spoken to the class and will be offering fly casting instruction later this week and look forward to working with them in the future. Check out their facebook page as they are doing fund raising to be able to purchase gear and fly tying materials. If you are able to donate to them, please contact them because they would appreciate your support. Click the link below to go to their facebook page.

HHS FLY FISHING CLUB

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on draft stream evaluation reports for Slab Cabin Run in Centre County and Lycoming Creek and Lycoming, Tioga and Sullivan Counties.

The Slab Cabin Run evaluation was conducted in response to the Fish and Boat Commission Class A wild trout classifications and an existing use evaluation associated with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

DEP is recommending much of the watershed remain High Quality, but a portion in the Roaring Fund basin be designated Exceptional Value Waters (see page 31 for full recommendation).

The Lycoming Creek evaluation was conducted in response to a rulemaking petition submitted by the Lycoming Creek Watershed Association and accepted by the Environmental Quality Board on August 18, 2009.

DEP is recommending much of the stream be designated Exceptional Value Waters.

Comments are due March 6.  Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.

Questions should be directed to Mark Brickner, Water Quality Division at mbrickner@pa.gov  or (717) 787-9637.

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper’s HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) youth kayaking and fishing program days are scheduled for June 22, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28 at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia (Union County). The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has agreed to be the primary sponsor for the event again this year. These program days are for young people ages 9 to 14, introducing them to important skills in both kayaking and fishing with the goal of building confidence in these outdoor skills while developing a vested interest in protecting our river’s resources.  Learn more about the program and fill out the early registration form now for this free program as spots typically fill quickly.  Also, we could use help in covering lunches for participants and volunteers for the week. If your business would like to provide one — or the money to help us purchase lunch — please contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky at midsusriver@gmail.com

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited invites all fishing enthusiasts to a special presentation by PA Fish & Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officers Justin Boatwright and Hunter Shoemaker, Jim Latini of Susquehanna TU, and Ethan Albright of Slate Run Tackle Shop.  They will highlight trout stocking plans and where to find stream access and special regulation fishing areas on our local streams.  There will be a special focus on Lycoming Creek and Big Pine Creek in the Slate Run area, as well as some tips on fly casting.  The meeting will be held on February 8, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the Covenant Central Presbyterian Church, 807 W. 4th Street, Williamsport. Parking and entrance to the Church is at the rear of the building with access off of Campbell Street. The meeting is free and public is cordially invited to attend.

We had a full house at the first fly tying class last night. Thank you to everyone who signed up and to the many instructors who came out to help. In the photo, Dave Rothrock (lead instructor and coordinator) discussing why we tie flies and the insects that we try to imitate